GAIN THE COMPETITIVE EDGE

Science Behind Peak Performance

THE NEW SECRET OF ELITE ATHLETES

Performance Science

In sport’s elite, the difference between winning and losing, success and failure, is small.

In the pursuit of closing that gap, athletes and their coaches have traditionally worked hard to achieve improvements in each discipline, such as sports science, biomechanics, strength and conditioning, physiology, psychology, recovery, and nutrition.

However, nothing in athletic performance works in isolation; it requires a multi-disciplinary approach. And this is the principle of performance science.

Performance science systematically integrates existing knowledge, latest practices and advanced technologies into a new methodology. The result is athletes with the potential to be faster, stronger, more agile, more resilient and more competitive for more years.

From indoor sports, such as basketball and volleyball, to outdoor sports like rugby league and soccer, and even action sports such as surfing and downhill mountain bike, from amateurs to Olympic gold medallists, performance science is becoming the science trusted by sport’s elite.

Stephen P Bird

Stephen P. Bird, Ph.D
CSCS, RSCC*E, AEP, AES, RNutr, ASCA-L3, PCAS-P

Dr Stephen Bird is a world leading athletic performance influencer, leading the integration of performance science for sport’s elite.

He has worked with professional sports teams and international sporting organisations attending major sporting events, including Olympic Games (2008 Beijing and 2016 Rio), Commonwealth (Basketball Scotland), Rugby League World Cup (Scotland Rugby League), and UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and World Championships (Australia and Indonesia national team).

Stephen has worked with teams in the National Rugby League, National Basketball League and Women’s National Basketball League, along with High Performance Coaching and Athlete Development roles for PNG Sports Foundation, Basketball NSW and Basketball WA.

Known as the Coach of Coaches, Stephen’s work in elite sports conditioning, athlete recovery and performance optimisation bridges the knowledge gap between theory, science and applied training for coaches and athletes.

Stephen’s experience can assist you to realise your performance potential.

I have a passion & desire to see others succeed and reach their full potential.

INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE SCIENTIST

Trusted by sport’s elite

Elite performance consultant and advisor to professional sports teams and international sporting organisations since 2000.

2024 Paris Olympic Games
Head of Player Performance, Research & Development, Basketball New Zealand

2016 Rio Olympic Games
Performance Scientist (Badminton), Indonesian Olympic Team

2008 Beijing Olympic Team
Head, Strength & Conditioning, Indonesian Olympic Team

2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games
Athlete Health & Performance Lead, Basketball New Zealand 3X3

2016 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
Athlete Health & Performance Lead, Scotland Basketball

2022 Basketball New Zealand
Head of Player Performance, Research & Development, Senior National Teams

2020/21 Basketball New Zealand
Athlete Health & Performance Lead, Senior Women’s National Team

2019 Glasgow Rock
Senior Performance Science Advisor, British Basketball League

2019 Basketball NSW
Performance Consultant,Coaching & Athlete Development

2018 Scotland Basketball
Athlete Health & Performance Lead, 2018 Commonwealth Games

2016/19 Illawarra Hawks
Performance Scientist, National Basketball League

2014/16 Townsville Crocodiles
Director, High Performance Unit National Basketball League

2017/19 Townsville Fire
Senior Performance Advisor, Women’s National Basketball League

2012/14 Perth Wildcats
Head of Performance Science & Research, National Basketball League

2012/14 Basketball WA
Head of Physical Preparation & Youth Development, High Performance Program

2012/13 West Coast Waves
Performance & Research Advisor, Women’s National Basketball League

2022 Ipswich Jets RLFC
Director, High Performance Unit, Queensland Rugby League

2018 Polska Rugby XIII
Performance Advisor, 2018 Emerging Nations RLWC

2017 Scotland Rugby League
Head, Athlete Performance, Rugby League World Cup

2015/17 Northern Pride RLFC
Director, High Performance Unit, Queensland Rugby League

2012 Penrith Panthers
Senior Sports Scientist & Research Associate, National Rugby League

2008 Melbourne Storm
Research Associate, National Rugby League

2007 Wests Tigers
Sports Scientist & Research Associate, National Rugby League

2021 NSW Swifts
Performance Consultant, Suncorp Super Netball

2020/21 Ipswich Jets Netball
Senior Performance Advisor, HART Sports Sapphire & Ruby Series

2018 Marlins Coast Marlins Netball
Performance Lead, Queensland State Netball League

2006/15 Western Region Academy of Sport
Director, Strength & Conditioning
2017/19 Physical Preparation Consultant
“Sik Mik” Hannah, UCI MTB World Championships & World Cup

2017/18 Physical Preparation Consultant
Tracey Hannah, UCI MTB World Championships & World Cup

University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich QLD, Australia
2020
Associate Professor in Sports and Exercise Science

University of Wollongong, Wollongong NSW, Australia
2018/20
Director of Strength and Conditioning (Postgraduate Coursework)

James Cook University, Cairns QLD, Australia
2015/18
Associate Professor in Sports and Exercise Science
Director of High Performance Sport Initiative

Charles Sturt University, Bathurst NSW, Australia
2015/19
Research Fellow, School of Exercise Science, Sport and Health
2011/15
Senior Lecturer in Exercise Rehabilitation
Course Director, Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology
2006/11
Lecturer in Exercise Rehabilitation

Edith Cowan University, Joondalup WA Australia
2010/2015
Adjunct, Research Fellow (Strength & Conditioning)

Special Interest Group Presenter, Australian Strength and Conditioning Association

Level 1 Course Presenter, Australian Strength and Conditioning Association

Associate Editor, Journal of Australian Strength and Conditioning

National Roadshow Workshops Presenter, Exercise and Sports Science Australia

Current trends in strength and conditioning
International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approach in Sports, Yogyakarta, Indonesia 2019

Building the athlete: Physical conditioning
Athletics Australia’s National Coaching Conference, Townsville, QLD 2019

Physical preparation strategies for Olympic athletes
Sports Medicine Australia Sports Trainers Conference, Sydney Australia 2012

Preparing the Indonesian Olympic Team: A strength & conditioning perspective
National Strength & Conditioning Association National Conference, Las Vegas USA 2011

Nutrition science: The role of strength nutrition in enhancing muscle mass & performance
Australian Strength and Conditioning Association Special Interest Group Workshop, Sydney Australia 2019

Supplement use in professional sport: Controversial or Conventional?
International Conference on Applied Strength and Conditioning, Melbourne Australia 2014

Effect of multi-nutrient supplementation during acute resistance exercise on torque production and neural drive in strength-trained athletes.
Exercise and Sport Science Australia Conference. Adelaide, SA, Australia 2014

Sports nutrition: Application for training, recovery & performance
International Fitness Convention and Expo, Sydney Australia 2013

Effect of nutrient timing on acute biochemical responses and recovery to resistance exercise in strength-trained athletes.
Exercise and Sport Science Australia Conference. Gold Coast, QLD, Australia. 2012

Nutrient timing strategies and the strength athlete: The latest research
International Conference on Applied Strength and Conditioning, Gold Coast Australia 2011

Recovery techniques & fatigue management for athletes
International Conference on Interdisciplinary Approach in Sports, Pre-Conference Session, Yogyakarta, Indonesia 2019

Physical preparation & recovery: Preparing to win on-court battles
Basketball Scotland Coaches Summit, Edinburgh, Scotland 2018

Application of sports science in monitoring fatigue & managing recovery
Road to the 18th Asian Games Seminar Bandung Indonesia 2015

Role of the core in athletic performance of an unanticipated agility task.
Australasian Biomechanics Conference University of Wollongong Australia 2014

Monitoring neuromuscular fatigue in female basketball players across training & game performance.
International Conference on Applied Strength and Conditioning, Melbourne, VIC. Australia 2013

Australian Strength & Conditioning Association Professional Award, Mentor Coach of the Year (2016)
Inaugural ASCA Mentor Coach of the Year – Recognition for outstanding contribution, experience and guidance in mentoring early career strength and conditioning coaches to allow the continual growth and professional development at all levels of the ASCA Professional Coaching Scheme.

Strength of America Award National Strength and Conditioning Association in conjunction with the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition – 4x winner (2012 – 2015)
Excellence in strength and conditioning program delivery for elite youth athletes, Western Region Academy of Sport and School of Human Movement Studies.

Western Region Academy of Sport, Life Membership Award (2015)
Recognition for services in strength and conditioning

Western Region Academy of Sport Staff of the Year (2012)
Recognition for services in strength and conditioning

NSW Sports Safety Award for Outstanding Education (2009)
Award for strength and conditioning application and education in pre-elite youth athletes

NSW Sports Safety Award for Outstanding Education (2007)
Award for movement screening and injury prevention in pre-elite youth athletes

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Medal (2006)
Inaugural ESSA Medal for most outstanding PhD thesis in field of exercise and sports science across all universities in Australia. Thesis: Influence of nutritive interventions on biochemical signals and markers of myofibrillar protein degradation following acute and chronic resistance exercise in untrained men.

National Strength and Conditioning Association Graduate Research Award (2005)
CHO-induced blunting of cortisol release suppresses 3-methylhistidine excretion following acute resistance exercise in young men.

International Society for Chronobiology Scholar Award (2004)
Effect of circadian rhythm on hormone response to acute heavy resistance exercise in young men.

Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Innovation and Change, James Cook University (2016)
Innovation and Change Award for establishment of the JCU High Performance Sport Initiative, Division of Tropical Health & Medicine, James Cook University Cairns Campus.

Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Professional Excellence Charles Sturt University (2012)
Excellence in developing and sustaining a nexus between research and professional practice at a national and international level in the field of strength and conditioning science.

Faculty of Education Award for Teaching Charles Sturt University (2012)
Excellence in high quality teaching in strength and conditioning

Dr Stephen Bird is a well-known author, speaker and researcher with expertise in elite athlete preparation and nutritional supplementation.

Doctor of Philosophy (Exercise Physiology), Charles Sturt University, Australia

Thesis: Influence of nutritive interventions on biochemical signals and markers of myofibrillar protein degradation following acute and chronic resistance exercise in untrained men

Awards:
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Medal (2006)
National Strength and Conditioning Association Graduate Research Award (2005)

Bachelor of Human Movement (Honours) Class 1, Charles Sturt University, Australia

Thesis: Effect of circadian rhythm on hormonal responses during and following a single weight lifting session

Awards: International Society for Chronobiology Scholar Award (2004)

Bachelor of Human Movement (Exercise Science), Charles Sturt University, Australia

Double major: Exercise Science and PDHPE

Level 3 Strength & Conditioning Coach (ASCA-L3)
Australian Strength & Conditioning Association

Professional Coaching Accreditation Scheme: Professional (PCAS-P)
Australian Strength & Conditioning Association

Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
National Strength & Conditioning Association, USA

Registered Strength & Conditioning Coach Emeritus (RSCC*E)*
National Strength & Conditioning Association, USA

Registered Nutritionist, Human Nutrition (RNutr)
Nutrition Society of Australia

Accredited Exercise Physiologist & Exercise Scientist
Exercise & Sports Science Australia

Level 2 Anti‑Doping, Medical Practitioners & Athlete Medical Support
Australian Sports Anti‑Doping Authority

Publications

Documentary

This is UR World: A World Championship at Home.

A high pace documentary featuring Cairns world ranked downhill mountain bike riders Tracey Hannah and Mick Hannah as they prepare for the 2017 Downhill Mountain Bike World Championships. Every racer will tell you that the World Championship is somehow really different than any World Cups. When you add this to the fact that this very special race is in your hometown, you get a cocktail of insane motivation and high stress. Get ready for a real insight of this very special race. Featuring Tracey and Micks physical preparation coach Stephen Bird.

Produced & Directed by F. Cousinie. Co-directed by F. Le Blanc (2017).
Film produced by Creatur Agency, Chemin du Pivot , 81100 Castres France. 26min.

In the news

The Perth Wildcats are one of the most travelled teams of any sport in the world and your expertise and knowledge significantly contributed to our team to being one of the most well prepared team in the league. In particular Dr Bird’s expertise in providing protocols for fatigue monitoring and recovery management will continue to assist the Wildcats in continuing to be a leader in the NBL in the future.
Rob Beveridge, Head Coach Perth Wildcats (2011-2013), National Basketball League

I thought your presentation was truly one of the best presentations that I have seen at the national conference. This is evidence based information. This is what should be presented at our conferences. This is how we educate the uneducated! Thanks again for the presentation.

Dr Mike Martino, Associate Professor Georgia College & State University

I had the pleasure of attending your talk at the National NSCA conference. The best talk by far this year, it was great to see some of the athlete monitoring you do/did with the Indonesian Olympic team.

Dr Jason Miller, Assistant Professor Oklahoma City University

Whilst completing my Masters under Dr Bird’s guidance he helped me simplistically understand research and the academic world. He educated me and helped build my research skills and academic writing which allowed me to co-author my first academic paper. Dr Bird continues to play a mentoring role in my career.

Jono Freeman AEP CSCS, Founder & Managing Director Club Active

Dr Bird provided us with valuable information about our bodies and how they can better be managed. I believe that his presentations, specifically on recovery, nutrition, and individualised fatigue and strength monitoring, allowed me to continue feeling physically fresh throughout the gruelling season and travel schedule. His guidance allowed me to better understand my body and kept me healthy throughout the season.

Kevin Lisch, Perth Wildcats 2012 NBL Most Valuable Player, National Basketball League

Dr Bird’s pre and post training/competition nutritional supplementation protocols have given the players a better opportunity to maximise their training effectiveness.

Ciriaco Mescia, Wests Tigers Performance Co-ordinator (2007), National Rugby League

Monitoring fatigue, recovery and performance is crucial in today’s game. The data collected and presented by Dr Bird gave me an accurate indication of my recovery status. I received quality feedback every time with the performance profiles showing me exactly where I needed to improve.

Clint Newton, Penrith Panthers NRL Squad (2012-2013) National Rugby League

Dr Bird assisted our strength and conditioning program with the application of sports science and nutrition during the 2012 season. Directing our sport science research program, Dr Bird provided coaches and players with regular feedback related to fatigue monitoring and recovery management, educating the playing group on the importance of their data, and how this can and does assist them individually. This allowed coaching staff to better prepare and monitor the progress of players throughout the season.

Matt Ryan, NRL Performance Science & Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach (2012-2013), Penrith Panthers National Rugby League

Dr. Bird has come on board and served a great purpose to our organization. His expert knowledge and attention to detail on the basis of athletic performance, recovery, fatigue monitoring, and wellness was superior. Personally he helped me feel as close to 100% an athlete can mid-season after 10 of the first 14 games were on the road. His ability to manage my workload and recovery, nutritional supplementation, and other aspects of the day to day life of a professional athlete were instrumental in me getting through the season injury free and performing at my best.

Brian Conklin, Townsville Crocodiles 2014/15 Most Valuable Player, National Basketball League

I cannot thank Dr Bird enough for the work he has done with our squad. He added a level of professionalism and commitment our team has never seen with regards to recovery and mindset. He made sure we were prepared for each and every game during the Commonwealth Games and I wholeheartedly believe this was a key part in our success.

Kieron Achara, Scotland Basketball, 2018 Commonwealth Games Scotland and Great Britain Men’s Basketball Captain

Birdy, the players and the club greatly appreciate your valuable time to provide all the assistance that is above and beyond anything ever asked of you. Your professionalism and expertise in performance science, fatigue and recovery management has been a major reason why we as a Club have gone from last place to a Grand Final berth in our first 2 seasons. I would also like to thank you for overseeing our player monitoring processes, as well as the education and mentoring of my physical performance staff to ensure that they are up to date with cutting edge sport science methods.

Rob Beveridge, Head Coach Illawarra Hawks, 2015/2018 National Basketball League

I would like to personally thank you for your recent involvement with our Senior Men National Team at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia. The players and staff benefitted greatly from your knowledge, expertise and professionalism. I can honestly say that I have never worked with a more engaged professional. Not every academic can put theory in to practice, and even fewer can connect with players the way you did. I’m extremely proud and honoured that we engaged your services, without you on our staff we would not have achieved the incredible success we did, becoming the first ever Scottish team sport to reach a semi-final at the Commonwealth Games.

Barry Lang, Basketball Scotland High Performance Manager, 2018 Commonwealth Games

Birdy, you are an example to what trainers should aspire too. Full of energy and your ability to get on the players level and motivate them to be better is next to none. Always trying to push the limits is what you thrive in and I have learnt great things about incorporating functionality to the basketball game from the primer lifting sessions thanks to you. Appreciate you keeping me young and motivated.

David Anderson, Illawarra Hawks 2018/19, Former NBA, Australian Boomer and 4x Olympian
Stephen, you taught me what it means to be a professional athlete. You taught me the building blocks one by one to make a better athlete every day and helped me gain the knowledge, physically and mentally, to become the best in the World. You were the piece of the puzzle that was missing in my results.
Tracey Hannah, 2019 UCI Downhill MTB World Cup Champion